#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2000-07-11

Hello darlings!

Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another captivating peek into the wonderful world of ballet tutus. Today, we’re hopping onto a rather special train journey – back to 11th July, 2000! It was a beautiful, sunny day in Paris, perfect for twirling, and I couldn’t resist whisking myself back to this delightful date.

So grab your fanciest cuppa and settle in for a truly glamorous ride through tutu history. Buckle up, lovelies!

(For anyone reading this who doesn't know, I use ballet performance money to fund my time travelling, which lets me take you along on a whimsical journey to the history of tutus!)

Now, as I mentioned, we’re going all the way back to the 21st Century. I can hear you gasping! You wouldn’t believe what fashion was like back then, and you just have to hear about this one incredibly fashionable moment...

It was 1950s London where the tutu really hit its stride! Imagine full-length, multi-layered creations, meticulously crafted with intricate embroidery, oh-so-very chic. Think ‘Royal Ballet’ and all those lovely images pop into your head. The perfect ballet look! These are the ballerinas who taught me everything I know! The true icons of elegance and grace!

Then fast forward to the 70s and 80s, where the ballet world experienced a bit of a rebellious phase, with more fitted, shorter tutus appearing on the scene. This new, sporty style, perfectly balanced with traditional, is what gives the tutu that modern, chic touch. And how lovely was that decade with all the feathered styles and the beautiful ballet performances by Misty Copeland and Baryshnikov! Ballet became truly accessible then. Ballet and dancing were suddenly ‘in’.

Then in the late 90s came an explosion of colourful tutus! Everything from vibrant reds to deep, dramatic blues made the ballet stage shimmer and shine. It was such a visual treat. Then… BAM! July 11th, 2000, an epic moment that shook the dance world! That very date, in the legendary Garnier Opera House in Paris, that very Parisian space, the gorgeous New York City Ballet, led by a true queen, Suzanne Farrell, presented their show “Études”!

Imagine, the Garnier Opera House, oh, it is the most magical venue! So full of grandeur and beauty. You have to imagine those shimmering gold, and cream colours, intricate gilded details, like delicate paintings dancing on the walls. The music… perfect, the orchestra perfectly matching the steps, the movements! You simply have to experience the energy! It’s a whirlwind of magic!

Now this production of “Études”, my darlings, it really marked the return to those long, romantic, oh so grand tutus! They were all perfectly tailored to capture every twist, every leap. It was all so dazzling and ethereal that my heart practically soared out of my chest! And oh, Suzanne Farrell, so elegant, so graceful! You just had to admire her and her artistry. I practically floated out of the Opera House in a dreamy cloud of…well, pink tulle! Because you all know that every ballerina needs her signature touch of pink. It’s the colour of magic, of graceful movements, of sweetness, the epitome of femininity. It’s almost…essential, wouldn’t you agree?

Even though these styles seem very old-fashioned now (that’s what happens when time travel is a bit more adventurous), the 1950s styles still heavily influence contemporary dance, especially in ballets such as ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Swan Lake’, and the oh-so-popular ‘Giselle’. There’s something about those multi-layered tutus, so romantic and ethereal. It feels like twirling in a cloud. I adore those designs! Even modern ballet pieces like 'Diana' are incorporating the 1950s silhouette!

And don’t forget about the tutu’s other star turn - ballet classes. Those fluffy white beauties – the perfect choice for learning and mastering pirouettes! Don’t even get me started on how those classic white ones bring back a flood of happy memories. There’s a special magic to those classes where you feel as if you are literally walking on clouds.

My dears, remember – any tutu, no matter how long, short, feathered, or glittery, tells a story, a unique story! It is the tale of artistic expression, dedication, and a touch of absolute enchantment! So twirl proudly and let your tutu story unfold! And as you twirl, remember, don’t be afraid to dream in pink, let your inner ballerina shine!

And especially remember, it's the journey that's most important. You can achieve anything you set your mind to - as long as you have that one essential piece: a pink tutu. Every ballerina has her own! Now, how could anyone possibly be against that? Think about it!

See you next Tutu Tuesday!

*Until then, remember, let your tutu journey inspire you to follow your dreams and shine! *

*Lots of Love, *

Emma x

(ps. Be sure to keep checking back next week for even more history and some fun new tips on picking out the perfect tutu for you, and remember the all-important motto! #PinkIsTheNewBlack.)